College football is back! And with it, that means another year of our Big Ten picks series. Each week of the season, we will be picking every game involving a Big Ten team (with the exception of games against FCS opponents).
With a full slate of nonconference action this week, that means plenty of games to pick. Let’s get it started!
Rutgers over UMass (Thursday)
As a proud Massachusetts native, I would love to pick the Minutemen. Unfortunately, however, UMass may very well be the worst FBS program in the country. Rutgers wins this one easily.
Illinois over UAB (Thursday)
If USC couldn’t win on the road at Illinois, then UAB has no chance.
Michigan State over Toledo (Friday)
The Spartans are now on their fourth head coach since 2019. One of the only things that has not changed for the program since then is playing a Friday night opener seemingly
every year.
USC over Fresno State (Friday)
The Trojans improve to 2-0 before most of the country even plays a game.
Indiana over North Texas
The defending national champions begin their title defense with an easy win.
Nebraska over Ohio
I do not expect Nebraska to be anything special this year, but they should at least beat Ohio.
Ohio State over Ball State
No need to overthink this one.
Oregon over Boise State
Oregon joins USC in defeating a Pac-12 team. Just like old times.
Penn State over Marshall
The Matt Campbell era in Happy Valley opens up with a win.
Iowa over Northern Illinois
Losing to Northern Illinois is not for everyone—only Notre Dame.
Michigan over Western Michigan
The only Michigan with a W in this one is the Wolverines.
Cal over UCLA
UCLA becomes the first Big Ten team to lose in 2026. What a shame.
Washington over Washington State (Sunday)
It is great to see the Apple Cup continue, but the rivalry is not the same now that Washington State is no longer a power conference program.
Notre Dame over Wisconsin (Sunday)
Luke Fickell is my pick for the first Big Ten coach to be fired this year. The Badgers ruin a potential Perfect Weekend with an ugly loss.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Picking every Big Ten game in college football Week 1
